Vladimir Stepania - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

madape · 08-04-2003, 04:52 PM

Position: C
Born: 05/08/76
Height: 7-1 / 2,16
Weight: 255 lbs. / 115,7 kg.
From: Republic of Georgia

Ranks #17 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds(211.0)
Ranks #16 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds Per Game(2.7)
Ranks #2 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(6.4)
Ranks #8 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(10.3)
Ranks #2 in the NBA in Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(16.7)

Could Step be the best free agent center still out there? According to the Miami Sun Sentinel, he's turning down the Heat's offer and is looking for around $4 Mil per year. (see around the NBA section)

Blonde Bomber · 08-04-2003, 04:57 PM

If Cuban is willing to pay the 4 mil + plus the 4 mil in luxary tax then I wouldn't mind having the guy.
He could compete for a starting spot and at worst be a viable option off the bench at center.
But I don't think Cuban wants to pay 8 million a year for that.

Tony tha Mavs fan · 08-04-2003, 04:58 PM

Why not go after Stepania, he would be a nice compliment, if the Mavs were to trade Lafrentz. Sign Stepania b4 the Spurs/Lakers/Kings/Twolves sign him[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

kg_veteran · 08-04-2003, 05:21 PM

The guy is a great rebounder, a banger, and has a mean streak. Why not?

Honestly, if he's looking for a 2 year, $8 millon deal like Campbell got, why not give it to him? That's not a long-term commitment, unlike the Mavericks' commitment to every other center they have, and they get the MLE for a reason -- to use it.

Sure, Cuban will have to pay the luxury tax. But if he's not willing to spend the money to improve the team, then why did the Mavericks tell us they planned on using both exceptions in the first place?

I honestly could live with it if the following happened:

Sign Stepania to a contract for the majority of the MLE.
Sign Raja Bell back with the 1.5.
Trade LaFrentz and Avery Johnson for Brian Grant.

Lineup:

Bradley - Stepania - Eschmeyer
Grant - Najera
Nowitzki - Howard
Finley - Bell
Nash - Van Exel

You still have Van Exel around to use in another trade, if necessary. You've jettisoned Raef's contract. Your starting lineup is better. Your rebounding is excellent. You still lack a premiere perimeter defender, but you have an extra guy in Howard to throw into the "perimeter defense" mix. You could probably still sign Adrian Griffin back as a 12th man just to guard Kobe when we play the Lakers.

I could live with this. Of our chief competitors for the title in the West, only Sacramento has a small forward that could burn Dirk on the perimeter. I think Dirk works at SF. Also, by putting Dirk at SF, you have an excellent rebounding team. Dirk gets 10, Grant gets 10, Bradley gets 6-7. Stepania should get you 6-7 off the bench, Najera should manage 3, and Howard should get 2-3. That's at least 37 rebounds a game from your frontcourt. With even 10 rebounds from the backcourt (5 from Finley, at least 5 from the other 3), you're a damn good rebounding team.

This is starting to grow on me. At least you've transformed into a damn good rebounding team, you've added bulk inside (Grant and Stepania), and you should have a somewhat more rugged team.

mavsfanforever · 08-04-2003, 05:26 PM

I think they have to go after this guy now before somebody else does it. I do not want the mavs to wait till Feb 21 and then give lame excuses at the end of the season that "CURRENT SET OF PLAYERS HAVE NOT PLAYED FULL SEASON TOGETHER AND THUS WE NEED TO GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE".

DIRK BRASIL · 08-04-2003, 05:47 PM

Stepania is a good player for us.

MFFL · 08-04-2003, 11:03 PM

Sign him. The Mavs could use the toughness up front. If he turns out to be another Esch then he can ride the pine for the two years. For a two year contract it is too good to pass up.

Chiwas · 08-04-2003, 05:53 PM

Stepania is The One.

(For the Mavs today)

mikeinrowlett · 08-04-2003, 08:54 PM

Please don't look at the player acquisition period as being up when the season starts. Trades can be made up until the Feb trade deadline and adding payroll makes just that much tougher to make a deal. Unless you can sign the guy for one year and make him a part of a mid season deal it doesn't make much sense. Don't make a move for the sake of making a move. Mavericks will still have a team vying for the top spot. Who did we lose to last year? The top contenders in the west. We may still lose to those teams but will continue to beat the have nots of the east and the wannabes in the west. I see alot of panic on this board. Relax people, the Mavs will be fine and will make the right moves when the time comes. I was upset when we didn't land anyone that would help but to just get someone because they are available is not the way to go. Raef Lafrentz is better than this guy. He will certainly improve and please consider he is still young. He will be given more of an opportunity to score inside and not be asked to hang out 18-23 feet away from the basket as much. No to Stephania and yes to giving Raef another opportunity to show what he can do. Unless we can trade for a true center/banger I don't really see the point.

kg_veteran · 08-04-2003, 09:26 PM

Please don't look at the player acquisition period as being up when the season starts. Trades can be made up until the Feb trade deadline and adding payroll makes just that much tougher to make a deal.

Mark? Mark Cuban? Is that you? Honestly, if you're not him, you sound just like him. Adding payroll doesn't make it any tougher to make a deal. The Mavs are currently $38 million over the cap. How does going further over the cap hurt? Only one way. Mark Cuban's pocket. And he has told us many times before that money was no object.

Unless you can sign the guy for one year and make him a part of a mid season deal it doesn't make much sense.

Huh? If the guy can give you 5 points and 7 rebounds per game in 20 minutes of playing time, I'd say it's worth it. Combine that with the 7/7 Shawn is likely to put up, and you have a decent 12 points and an excellent 14 rebounds out of the center position.

Don't make a move for the sake of making a move. Mavericks will still have a team vying for the top spot.

I swear, you must be Cuban. Mark, why haven't you been responding to my emails, man?

Who did we lose to last year? The top contenders in the west. We may still lose to those teams but will continue to beat the have nots of the east and the wannabes in the west. I see alot of panic on this board. Relax people, the Mavs will be fine and will make the right moves when the time comes.

Dude, just get your username changed, because you are definitely Cuban.

The Mavs don't need to make any additions to be a very good team. You're right about that. But if they want to be a legit championship contender, they need to make moves. And why should we relax and trust them to maket he right moves "when the time comes?" They told us before July 1 that we should relax because they were going to have a productive summer. What has it produced? Nada. Nothing. Zilch.

Stepania can be a relatively low risk investment for the Mavericks. But it will require Mark Cuban to spend money, something he doesn't really appear willing to do.

Brian Grant can be had if the Mavericks are willing to give up something decent, like LaFrentz. But they can't get him for a package of Esch, Williams, and Rigaudeaux. Or somesuch. You have to give to get, and swapping Raef for Grant just makes a lot of sense.

I was upset when we didn't land anyone that would help but to just get someone because they are available is not the way to go.

Unless they might could actually help, which Stepania could.

Raef Lafrentz is better than this guy.

Possibly, but we're not talking about trading LaFrentz for him. You could theoretically have both.

He will certainly improve and please consider he is still young.

Hell, he's virtually an All-Star. Why do we even need help inside?

He will be given more of an opportunity to score inside and not be asked to hang out 18-23 feet away from the basket as much.

Really? Says who? You?

No to Stephania and yes to giving Raef another opportunity to show what he can do. Unless we can trade for a true center/banger I don't really see the point.

Raef and Stepania are not mutually exclusive. Even if the Mavs keep Raef, they could start Raef at PF if they acquired Stepania, theoretically.

Stepania seems to me to be a true center. He's 7'1", 255 lbs. He also seems to be a banger. He crashes the glass and throws his body around. He's just the kind of guy the Mavs could use off the bench. Why are you so against him?

mikeinrowlett · 08-04-2003, 09:40 PM

Yes, says me. More of an opportunity to play in the paint. I think you'll see a change of philosophy on the offensive end to include more chances there for Raef. Raef blocks shots on the weakside and straight up against his man more than he is given credit for on the defensive end. I understand Stepania gets good rebounds per minutes but is this against front line guys? NO. Is it against Shaq and Duncan and Garnett in the West. Spares in the east. You are overselling this guy big time. It is assumed here that if Raef is not here he has been traded for someone who can help in the middle and the 7'1" overrated Stepania on this board will not be needed. Please remember if you are paying this guy essentially EIGHT MILLION BUCKS a year when considering tax implications that a deal to take on bad contracts to get a guy we really want ain't gonna happen. We have enough of those already. Does Stepania get you to the NBA Finals? HELL NO!!! So what's the point? If you can answer that question I really don't see how you can justify the signing. P.S. You can't.
'

Dooby · 08-04-2003, 09:59 PM

As championed by Rhylan, it is patently unfair to say it costs $8M for Stepania. Stepania is not the reason we are hopelessly above the luxury tax. It is the combined total of all of the salaries. If that were the case, why is Stepania to be singled out? AJ costs $11M. Wahed costs $12M. Beloved Raef costs $14M and Finley costs $26M.

If the team insists on continuing the delusional notion that it needs to get an $8M player for $4M in salary and $4M in luxury taxes, then this team will never improve.

kg_veteran · 08-04-2003, 10:10 PM

Yes, says me. More of an opportunity to play in the paint. I think you'll see a change of philosophy on the offensive end to include more chances there for Raef.

So tell me WHY you believe that. Have you ever seen Raef LaFrentz post up in a Mavericks uniform? I think I've seen it happen one time in a year and a half. Explain to me why you believe next year will be completely different.

Raef blocks shots on the weakside and straight up against his man more than he is given credit for on the defensive end.

Actually, he gets credit for every block he makes. And his block totals were down drastically last year. Yet, we all know Raef can block shots. No one's complaining about that. People that dislike Raef dislike him because he couldn't defend ME in the post, much less an NBA post player.

I understand Stepania gets good rebounds per minutes but is this against front line guys? NO. Is it against Shaq and Duncan and Garnett in the West. Spares in the east.

Actually, let's look at how he performed against a few Western powers:

vs. LA: 8.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg in 24 mpg
vs. Sacto: 8.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg in 20.5 mpg
vs. SA: 4.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg in 21.5 mpg
vs. Dallas: 5.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg in 19.0 mpg

It looks to me like he did just fine against the Top 4 in the West. Try again.

You are overselling this guy big time.

No, I'm just refusing to let you undersell him. I'm not proclaiming him the savior. However, he can definitely come in and provide some help -- so why not sign him? I'm not talking about offering him a 6 or 7 year deal, but why would a 2 year deal hurt?

It is assumed here that if Raef is not here he has been traded for someone who can help in the middle and the 7'1" overrated Stepania on this board will not be needed.

Assumed by you. I'm in favor of acquiring Stepania whether or not Raef is moved. Surely you're not saying that the Mavs don't have room for both guys on the roster, are you?

Please remember if you are paying this guy essentially EIGHT MILLION BUCKS a year when considering tax implications that a deal to take on bad contracts to get a guy we really want ain't gonna happen.
We have enough of those already.

Why not? To get a guy we "really want" we're likely going to ship out a couple of bad contracts too. I just don't see your logic here at all.

Stop analyzing it based on luxury tax. It's not Stepania that got the Mavs into the luxury tax. In the NBA economy, 4 million/year for a decent center isn't a bad deal. If they can get him for less, fine. But I could care less about the luxury tax. That's Cuban's problem, and he used to claim that he was more than willing to pay it.

Does Stepania get you to the NBA Finals? HELL NO!!! So what's the point? If you can answer that question I really don't see how you can justify the signing. P.S. You can't.

Terrible logic. If we're going to wait to make a move until we are pretty sure it gets us to the NBA Finals, we're going to be waiting quite a while.

Evilmav2 · 08-05-2003, 01:18 AM

I know those in the general public wish we would have signed Keon Clark last year.

Well, I'll just thank goodness we don't have any of the members of that "general public" or Geoff Petrie making roster-aquisition decisions for our Mavs...

On the subject of Vlad and trades:

I think that Vladimir Stepania might be a pretty decent stop-gap aquistion for us, but I also tend to think that the man might not be offensively able enough to fit into a Nelson-style offense, and judging by his rejection of the Miami offer, he and his agent might have salary asperations that place the man outside of the reach of our MLE... He could be a nice player for us, but his aquistion by the Mavs just seems pretty unlikely to me...

Aside from the issue of FA Vlad, I will actually agree with the newcomer Rowlett in his assertion that any prospective trade's in the Mav's future are far more likely to happen at next season's trade deadline than at any time in the remainder of this pre-season...

Sure, the Cuban-Nelson braintrust has certainly been threatened by the menacing FA aquisitions of the Lakers, Spurs, and TWolves (A lot of folks also think that Sacramento significantly upgraded this Summer, but methinks they got fleeced in paying the price that they paid for Eastern conference utility-junk-man Brad Miller), but I don't believe that Dallas is about to make a stupid deal just for the sake of forcing some movement this off-season...

Unless something significant happens between Dallas and Atlanta (soon to be the fief of Mavs season-ticket holder and former Mavs minority owner David McDavid), I just don't see us making any significant trade moves before mid-season of next year...

madape · 08-05-2003, 08:24 AM

I'd rather have Raef. He's much more athletic. Much more skilled. His upside is much higher.

Miller is a utility man - a lumbering bruising thug. Is he any better than Stepania? Probably not. The numbers say Step is a better rebounder. He's definitely got more range on his shot. Step is taller. He's more skilled. I'm not saying that Step is anything more than a backup center in the West, but that's about all I can say for Miller, too. Raef? I think he has the potential to be a very nice player in this league. We can likely get Step for around $8 mil for two years. Much closer to what he's worth than the ridiculous contract given to Miller.

4cwebb · 08-05-2003, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: madape
I'd rather have Raef. He's much more athletic. Much more skilled. His upside is much higher.

Miller is a utility man - a lumbering bruising thug. Is he any better than Stepania? Probably not. The numbers say Step is a better rebounder. He's definitely got more range on his shot. Step is taller. He's more skilled. I'm not saying that Step is anything more than a backup center in the West, but that's about all I can say for Miller, too. Raef? I think he has the potential to be a very nice player in this league. We can likely get Step for around $8 mil for two years. Much closer to what he's worth than the ridiculous contract given to Miller.

Seriously, you would rather have Raef, who has shown that he has an inability to effectively play post defense against any premier PF or C in the Western conference, than Brad Miller? Brad Miller, whom the Mavs wanted to acquire, provides the intangibles the Mavs are looking for in a PF or C...he rebounds the ball effectively, he throws his weight around on defense, and he operates effectively out of the high post.

Raef, on the other hand, operates best on offense standing out at the three point line, picks up many silly fouls, and doesn't really rebound to save his own life, forcing Dirk to often collect 20 rebounds in games.

Granted, Miller did a great job in getting $68 million for himself...he's probably being overpaid to play C in the Western conference. But Raef isn't a C in the Western conference. His best years in Denver were playing PF and not guarding the other team's best post player, which is really what the Mavs need. The Mavs need "a lumbering bruising thug".

Also, to say Stepania has an offensive game comparable to Miller's is ridiculous. The guy hasn't shown that he has any offensive capabilities, and that was in the weak Eastern conference. In the West Stepania will be merely a defender and a rebounder...a perfect fit for the Mavs, but Miller would have also added a little offense. The offense Raef adds is the same type of offense Dirk adds, but not half as effectively since Raef doesn't move very well with the ball in his hands.

Chiwas · 08-06-2003, 04:21 PM

Quote:

What should he be paid ?

A couple of season tickets in the Platinum section, all we can afford.

ZueriMav · 08-12-2003, 07:55 AM

Just found on DFW.com Didn't want to make an extra thread of it. Some interesting comments of Donny: "Guys, take it easy: The off season has just started [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] "

_________________________________

Posted on Tue, Aug. 12, 2003 story[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]UB_DESC
Mavericks considering Stepania or a trade
By Art Garcia
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

The Mavericks remain interested in free agent Vladimir Stepania and might sign him, according to league sources, if they can't trade for a big man soon.

Among the possible trade targets for the Mavs are Dale Davis, Antonio Davis, Kurt Thomas, Vitali Potopenko, Brian Grant, Eric Dampier, Adonal Foyle, Danny Fortson and Marcus Camby.

Two bigger-name big men, Rasheed Wallace and Kenyon Martin, are not realistic targets for the Mavs, sources said.

Wallace is on the trading block in Portland, and Martin has said he wants to be traded. However, Wallace's contract (worth more than $15 million next season) and Martin's situation (he's a restricted free agent after the season and the Nets likely want to throw high-priced Dikembe Mutombo into any trade) make the chances of the Mavs dealing for either slim.

Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said the team is in no hurry to make a trade.

"It's a waiting game," Nelson said Monday from Lithuania. "Each team has a different set of circumstances. There are times when you think you're close to something and someone gets cold feet, the deal is too rich or someone throws a zinger into it.

"It's so tough to predict what's going to happen."

As far as available big men go, Stepania is probably at the top of what remains on the free-agent market. The 7-foot-1, 255-pounder just completed his fifth season in the league and averaged a career-best 7.0 rebounds per game for Miami.

Stepania, who made $1.35 million last season, is seeking a multi-year deal. Several teams, in addition to the Mavs, have shown preliminary interest.

"We've been in touch with Dallas," said Mark Fleisher, Stepania's agent. "They've expressed interest, and we've agreed to continue talking."

Nelson said the perception around the league that the Mavs are desperate to make a move for a low-post presence has affected negotiations.

"Everyone thinks we're desperate. We're not desperate," said Nelson, who returns from a coaching stint with the Lithuanian national team Friday. "We're ready to go to war with what we have. We're a good team, and we're not going to get pushed into a corner.

"We don't need to make a deal. Our best tactic may be to keep this team together and see what we have at the trading deadline. Pressure is self-inflicted, and we're feeling no pressure."

Nelson said the Mavericks would prefer to keep Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel together. But he said no player is off-limits.

"To get better you have to trade significant pieces to get significant pieces, usually," Nelson said. "In some form or fashion, everyone's name gets thrown into a scenario. That's the way the game is played.

"Of course, our preference is to keep the core together. But it's not like that's going to prevent us for making a deal that makes sense."

The Mavs are scheduled to resume talks with free agent Raja Bell after Nelson returns. Herb Rudoy, Bell's agent, said negotiations have gone slowly.

"Right now their offer is not very satisfactory," Rudoy said. "We're going to continue talking to other teams.

"Donnie and I have agreed to talk next week. Raja really wants to come back to Dallas. We'll just see what happens."

In his first season with the team, the defensive-minded swingman proved a valuable contributor, starting 32 times. Utah, Atlanta and San Antonio are also believed to have interest in Bell.

Insurance issues bug Cuban

Before the World Championships last summer, Mark Cuban voiced concern over the lack adequate insurance covering Mavericks playing in the tournament. Michael Finley and Raef LaFrentz (Team USA) and Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) participated.

Steve Nash (Canada) and Eduardo Najera (Mexico) are scheduled to play in an Olympic qualifying tournament that begins Aug. 20 in Puerto Rico. The Mavs' owner said his position on insurance covering his investments in players hasn't changed.

"Reggie Miller last year was the perfect example of why I am concerned," Cuban said. "Unfortunately, I have no say in the matter at all."

Miller sprained an ankle last summer playing for Team USA and missed the first 14 games of the NBA season.

Maringa · 08-12-2003, 09:20 AM

Sounds like the Mavs will have to overpay Stepania in order to obtain his services. The Mavs have lost all bargaining power. At this point, the Mavs should just tell his agent to call back when he gets all the offers from other teams to see if they are willing to match or improve. The Mavs shouldn't panic like they did with Evan Eschmeyer...I can't justify paying Stepania more than $2 million/year, 3 yrs. There will be other free agents, rookies, mid-season trades that will make better sense, during the upcoming season or off-season a year from now...

signoftimes · 08-12-2003, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Nelson said the perception around the league that the Mavs are desperate to make a move for a low-post presence has affected negotiations.

"Everyone thinks we're desperate. We're not desperate," said Nelson, who returns from a coaching stint with the Lithuanian national team Friday

The reason everyone thinks the Mav's are desperate, is because they only had one plan, ZO. When that fell apart they did look desperate, calling on every available FA they could think of.

Mavs_Rule2003 · 08-12-2003, 10:08 AM

Quote:

[i]
"Everyone thinks we're desperate. We're not desperate," said Nelson,[i]

Yeah! that looks like it all the way! BUt Nellie, whats your point?

Chiwas · 08-12-2003, 10:18 AM

Quote:

On a lighter note, I notice KGveteran give Kudos to certain posts. Are these due to the fact that they are thought provoking or due to the fact that they agree with you [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Hehehe, I haven't noticed this. You're clever, mikeinrowlett, and learning quick about the connections. Keep doing it.

Getting in topic, what was the ZO plan? I don't remember well but did it include to pay him the 4.8 exception?

I mean, I think it wasn't even a plan. Yes, he said "yes" but not "when".

As MFF has suggested, we only can afford "plans" for drafted or rookies. Or old not good veterans.

Or renting them.

MavsFanFinley · 08-12-2003, 10:47 AM

Nothing new in this article that we haven't heard already.

Same tune, different day.

Tony tha Mavs fan · 08-12-2003, 11:04 AM

Stepania does good work, isn't obsessed with taking jumpers,PLAYS HARD, and isn't on the IR all the time. Stepania should be a taller version of Eddie Najera, and thats what the Mavs need, someone who concentrates on rebounding and defense, and has no problem letting his teammates get the points.

Mavsgreatness · 08-12-2003, 05:55 PM

Does anyone have any news on Stepania? I think he would be a nice addition

Nicky31 · 08-14-2003, 04:24 PM

I hope they get Stephania. He is probably one of the best backup center's as far as rebounding goes. I'm sure the Mav's staff can help him with his offense, but he would be a big body that would move Raef Lafrenz to PF...

one long blue sock · 08-14-2003, 06:13 PM

He would be an ok addition, but not good enough to get more then 4.5, the Mavs already have 3 back up centers.

steponhens · 08-14-2003, 07:30 PM

I don't think the Mavs should sign Stepania. He would barely help the Mavs, if at all.

I don't get why everybody is on board with signing him. It seems you are all so desperate to make a move your becoming high. With almost every other player in the eastern conference getting bashed on this board simply for playing in the east, when you think you have a chance of signing one he is considered a great pickup.

He only grabs seven rebounds per game in the east, while not having to gaurd the other teams best post player, and Brian Grant gaurds the other teams best player, no matter how tall he is. Also, he plays for the Heat, one of the biggest bricklayers in the NBA. They have many more chances at rebounds than teams that can shoot the ball.

All in all, I don't see how a player that could only play 20 minutes a game against the easts second tier big men bang with the power players from the west.

I don't think he could help us when the playoffs come around, and when adding a player to a sixty win team, thats all that matters.

one long blue sock · 08-14-2003, 07:57 PM

Well the Mavs are under the roster limit with letting Griffin, Williams, Jones, and Bell go.

They need someone to sign, and since they have added Daniels and Howard, I think they have enough depth in the back court.

But signing Stepania would allow Bradley and Raef to play in the game at the same time. For being a backup, and averaging 7.00 rebounds a game would make the Mavs alot better. With the line-up of 2 of those 3 in the games, the other players would have to worry about them alot more, and stop focusing on Dirk's attempt for the rebounds, so he would probably get a better number.

Having said that, he isn't worth more then 4 mill.

Mandyahl · 08-14-2003, 11:41 PM

there is not going to be cap room next year or even the next year. we are way over it.

one long blue sock · 08-14-2003, 11:43 PM

MLE? He is asking for 4 mil

OutletPass · 08-14-2003, 11:58 PM

Quote:

there is not going to be cap room next year or even the next year. we are way over it.

Absolutely fact, Mandy. Unless we unload Raef, Taw, NVE, etc...and don't resign Nash...ROFLMAO

so yes...we're going to be capped out.

Refer to my previous post in this thread....if the Mavs were to make a move for him...what should he be paid ? The closest comparison that I could find (and, admittedly it's not the closest comparison) among the so-called "availables" is Adonal Foyle...and that's a 4.4 mil contract....

My suspicion is that Stepania looks for that exact kind of money....(MLE type money)....it's just a question of whether he gets it from someone or not. I don't think he deserves that...but someone may bite.

Just211 · 08-15-2003, 12:03 AM

who besides Dallas is really interested in stephania? If Miami renounced him, and is low balling him, then why would Dallas pay over 4 mil for him?
I say no more than 2 mil for this guy, unless more teams step up to his plate.

MavsFanFinley · 08-15-2003, 12:08 AM

Utah is looking at centers and can certainly offer more than what teams consider he's worth. I thought I read about Denver looking at him as well.

jayC · 08-15-2003, 08:53 AM

IfLook raef will continue to be the starter. He had a solid game against san antonio in game 6 of the conference finals 12points and 10 boards, I also remember a couple of five block performances. Sign stepania and Jimmy Jackson. If he fills a need he needs to be here.

Nash/nick.daniels
finley/howard
Jackson/finley
Dirk/Raef
Stepania/Bradley

Upgrade your guard small forward with jimmy jackson instead of raja bell. Jimmy is just as good of a defender, a good post player, and a good shooter.

Chiwas · 08-15-2003, 09:44 AM

The empty hand of Cuban attacks again.

Simon2 · 10-12-2003, 05:21 PM

Looks like Stepania is going to Croatia?

Stepania goes to Croatia

Surely the Mavs have tried to get this guy? Doesn't his 7 rebounds a game count for anything? Stepania can become another head in the center monster. Actually, Raef can slip to backup 4 while Stepania, Fortson, Bradley forms the 3 headed monster. Raef can also pitch in if they need a center to hit the outside shot.

Mavsgreatness · 08-15-2003, 03:48 PM

I heard a rumor that our offer was 3 mil for 2 years, that's a decent deal for him

Rod1975 · 08-21-2003, 05:22 PM

Given the recent developments, Esch and Pop gone, also Best coming over from the Heat, who else besides me thinks we can still get Stepania away from the Heat to sign for the LLE (or a split of the MLE how ever it may work out as long as it's not Esch type money) and be the 3rd center?
I think we can get a decent value with this guy if we can in fact steal another player away from Miami....

kg_veteran · 08-21-2003, 05:22 PM

I don't think the Mavs are interested in Stepania at this point.